Millers River Environmental Center Accessibility Improvements

We have an exciting opportunity as Mass Development through Patronicity has approved a matching grant, which means if we can raise #10,000 by June 30th they will match the $10,000 totaling $20,000 to use to improve the Center. Please dig deep into your pockets and give what you can this ambitious project. Every bit contributes to a bright future for the preservation of our club, and the community’s natural history.

Recently while hosting a large group of Scout’s I noticed a distracted grandmother in the crowd. As everyone got settled in and the program began, she continued to wander the room looking at the plaques on the wall. As a fellow grandparent, this piqued my curiosity. I wondered what she was searching for. Later I heard her proudly telling her grandchildren and some of the other young boys that her name was on one of the birdwatching plaques from when she was in middle school. She went on to tell them stories about being in Bob Coyle’s classroom as a student, which always brings back fond memories for me.

A few months ago, one of our board members met an elderly couple who had attended elementary school in the building. They politely asked for a tour, and we were happy to oblige. They marveled at the building and shared memories from when they attended school here. They had a wonderful stroll down memory lane and we were happy that we could make that happen for them. Stories like these make up our history as a community. A rich history that can be preserved and shared through the upkeep of our building.

As our founding members age, and club membership grows, we want to ensure the vitality of the club and the center for generations to come. We have been plugging away at small projects to improve the building, and now we are embarking on a large project that will need your support to see it through to completion. The board of directors has been working diligently to find and secure funding for this project.

Completion of Lift Project

Community Art Mural,

MREC Sign at front entryway,

Facade Painting and Improvements, &

New front entry door

Maintaining and improving the building will provide us with the opportunity to expand our programming for our growing membership base and the broader community. As the landscape of our town changes, it is important to preserve that which made us who we are. Our natural history is what makes our region beautifully unique.

Or send a check in any amount to “ABNC” 100 Main Street Athol Ma 01331 please put “lift” on memo line Athol residents are also encouraged to show your support for this project at the June 11 Town Meeting.

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Next Meetings

“Early Bird” Birding with JeffMay 25, 2018 at 7:00 AM – 12:00 PMJoin Jeff here at the Center before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052. MREC 100 Main Street Atholyl���~S�l

Herp Big Day with Bill and JoeMay 27, 2018 at 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMJoin Bill Benner and Joe Wicinski for a day of looking for "Herps" Reptiles and Amphibians in the North Quabbin Area. Bill and Joe are enthusiastic herpers and we will hope to find a good variety of snakes, turtles, and salamanders. Be prepared for walking, bring lunch, water, and your sense of adventure. Rain Cancels.…

Nancy Goodman Botany Walk June 9, 2018 at 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMJoin Nancy Goodman, Naturalist and Plant Conservation Volunteer with New England Wild Flower Society for this botanical exploration of the Bearsden Conservation Area. Trees surround us and support us in so many important ways. Though they're rooted in one place, they are complex, fascinating, and beautiful living things. Plants are also fascinating to look at and identify. …

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Membership

Your membership allows the Athol Bird and Nature Club the ability to operate the Millers River Environmental Center, provide unique quality programming of interest to naturalists and provide opportunities for field adventures throughout the year. Join or donate now:https://atholbirdclub.org/abnc-membership/